We are all accustomed to having a busy summer. In my case, Paula and I have been able see the 3 grand kids play baseball or softball, watched a granddaughter baton twirl, been to the grandson’s summer musical program, and have found time to attend a few Junction City Brigade baseball games at the historic Rathert Field. There is some great history in the place and some baseball greats played there. I have even had time to auctioneer a sale with a friend.
City staff members have been rocking it as well. Park and Recreation Department employees are busy maintaining sports fields that are being use almost every day. The Swimming Pool is drawing big crowds of swimmers and Spin City has been open a couple of times for those who enjoying roller skating. Prior to COVID-19 the skating rink was open every weekend with a full staff. To this point it has been open on a periodic basis with the Park and Recreation staff working there. There is still discussion and plans being looked at to see how this facility can be best utilized.
They have also been busy preparing Heritage Park for Freedom Fest which begins on July 3. The staff does a lot of behind-the-scenes work in preparation and then during the event keeping the park looking good for all of those who are in attendance. Give a shout out to the staff when you see them working at this annual event.
The Public Works crew is busy with many projects from doing minor street repairs and working on water lines leaks. For the past 2 years about $1.5 million was spent each year to replace water valves and water lines in the older section of the City. Another project was approved for this year, and it will approach that same amount by the time it is done. I hope that the City will continue to address these older lines for the next few years. There will also be a project bid this year to being addressing older sewer lines as well.
Large projects such as the water lines and sewer lines are bid out to construction firms. The 2024 Street Maintenance program should begin in July, and I expect the concrete work on three alleys will begin shortly after that as well.
It has been interesting at the City office. Our IT Director retired this spring, and it now has been decided to hire a new director and applicants should be interviewed shortly. As you probably know, I announced my retirement and will complete my career here in a little over 3 weeks. The City Commission has begun that process. I have, and will continue to, stay out of that process as I have done when I moved on from other cities.
Shortly after the announcement of my retirement, Finance Director Lindsay Miller took another job, but our new Finance Director will begin next week. It has been a bit trying to work on the 2025 Budget being short staffed, but we are working together to get through that process.
A new position called the Community Development Director has been hired and will begin next week. This person will oversee the Building and Codes Department, and the planning and Zoning issues since the City now has its own planning and zoning after the Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC) was dissolved by Geary County. For a few years, Building and Code were a part of the Fire Department, but now will be in this new apartment. Thanks to Fire Chief Lankas for his efforts, but it is time to make this separation.
Tammy Miller has moved from City Clerk to the Human Resources Director position and Ariana Lorenzo is the new City Clerk. Also, the City has a new City Treasurer since Juliana Tobon left the position when her husband was moved by the United States Army to serve in Korea. Tanya Mosner assumed this role a little over a month ago. Also, Chief Kurt Nichols was recently appointed as the Police Chief and Cory Odell assumed the role of the Assistance Police chief.
The City continues to attempt to hire more staff to fill vacancies. There are vacancies in all Departments.
So, it is interesting with all of the activity and the transitions. I have great faith in the employees and the will move “Onward and Upward.”